Ludvig Åberg was left to reflect on an incredible 12 months as he returned to the Genesis Scottish Open looking for a first Rolex Series victory.
The Swede played at The Renaissance Club 12 months ago in just his fifth professional start and left East Lothian ranked just outside the top 300 on the Official World Golf Ranking after a missed cut.
He has had few concerns about making weekends since, winning maiden titles on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, playing on a victorious European Ryder Cup team, finishing second at the Masters Tournament and rising to fourth in the world.
"It definitely feels a little bit different," he said. "I'm more familiar with the clubs now and I know a little bit more what to expect and what's going on.
"But I still feel fortunate to be able to play these events and it's been a great 12 months since.
"If someone told me this would happen in 12 months, I'm not sure I would believe that guy. But on the other hand, I feel like I've always had great people around me, people that I trust, the people that helped me a lot.
"So I try to keep it that way, and then hope to be back here.
"I think looking back at last year, I didn't really know what to expect once I turned pro and it was a lot of unknowns in the way that I had never played a tour schedule.
"I played a few events as an amateur but never played four in a row and never done all those things and never worked with a caddie before. There's just a lot going on.
Ludvig Åberg loving the hickory wedge on the range! 😍#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/7xogpEhhjy
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 10, 2024
"But I felt like we handled it very well and I guess that stretch, once I started up until the Ryder Cup, it was very cool and I got over and played a few here in Europe as well.
"Fortunately played very well and Luke (Donald) gave me the pick for the Ryder Cup. I didn't think of it as much at the time but now, it was very cool for me to hang out with those guys and to be in that environment with the best players in the world.
"I hadn't experienced that at the time before but it led me to understand and realise what they do so well and I tried to pick up on that. I felt like it helped me going forward."
That Ryder Cup victory in Rome saw European fans at their most vociferous and Åberg is delighted to be back playing on his home continent.
"It's a world-class event and it's really fun to be here," he said. "The golf course is hard but the weather looks to be decent, I think. So fingers crossed. But don't expect too much.
"Got to play this event last year for the first time and it's nice to be back and obviously playing in Europe is fun.
"The crowds are great and are always very supportive in Europe. I'd like to think that it's a little bit different playing in America.
"Obviously it's great as well but over here it's almost like I'm one of their own and it's fun to feel that and fun to feel the support and hopefully give them something to cheer this week."
